Guide to Vietnam: Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and its second largest city – a bustling hub of chaotic streets filled with scooters and mopeds and markets overflowing with flowers, food and colorful textiles. We stayed at the Sofitel, located in central Hanoi and the most scenic building on its skyline – it also offers some spectacular views.

Upon our early morning return to Hanoi from Halong Bay, we were promptly scooped up by our van and taken to one of the city’s secret pho spots, Mai Anh, one of the best in town. Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup associated with Hanoi, where the first Pho restaurant opened in the 1920s. We slurped (a sign you are enjoying yourself) and ate until our bellies were full, and we were sweating from the heat of the chilies in our broth. It was a magical experience!

PS- the fresh squeezed grapefruit juice is delicious ♥

Outside Hanoi’s Old Quarter, be sure to check out the marketplace for florists – it opens at 3am!

Before our 8-hour train ride from Hanoi to Sapa we stopped at Ca Phe Pho co for a drink and a minute of quiet in the bustling city. Without our guides help we never would have found this place. From the outside it looks like a t-shirt shop, once inside it looks like a souvenir shop, a little further in and it looks like a house… it isn’t until the second flight of stairs that it starts to look like a restaurant! The view from the top floor is amazing and the drinks are refreshing.

*don’t forget bug repellent! Despite the slight breeze there is no rest from the pesky bugs!

Fortunately for women, the lower back ages very
well, so they should have no problems over the years with their tattoo.
You also have to be at ease in your dress, able
to glide down the aisle in it & look comfortable all day long.
There is no reason to be self-conscious about your body in front of the woman, or man, who is tanning you.